This rare Edo-period Japanese woodblock book, titled Ehon Ōnin-ki (繪本應仁記), is Volume 3 of the First Series (初篇 巻之三) — a historically significant illustrated chronicle of the Ōnin War (1467–1477), one of the most pivotal conflicts in Japanese history that marked the beginning of the Sengoku era.
Written in classical Japanese and attributed to Takai Ranzan (高井蘭山翁), this volume combines dense historical narrative with finely executed woodblock illustrations, including dramatic landscape scenes, fortified temples, and samurai encounters. The illustrations are integrated seamlessly with the text, making this work both a historical document and a visual masterpiece of Edo-period printing.
Details
Title: 繪本應仁記 (Ehon Ōnin-ki)
Series: 初篇 (Shohen / First Series)
Volume: 巻之三 (Volume 3)
Author: 高井蘭山翁 述 (Takai Ranzan, attributed)
Period: Edo period (late 18th – early 19th century, typical for this edition)
Subject: Illustrated historical chronicle of the Ōnin War (1467–1477)
Historical Importance
The Ehon Ōnin-ki is one of the most important popular histories of medieval Japan, widely read during the Edo period to understand the political collapse of the Ashikaga shogunate. This volume continues the narrative progression of the conflict, focusing on military movements, key figures, and regional power struggles.
Physical Description
Original hand-bound fukuro-toji format
Printed using traditional woodblock techniques
Illustrated double-page spreads
Original decorated orange cover with heavy age wear
Handmade washi paper with visible fibers and aging
This book is ideal for collectors of Japanese antiquarian books, Edo-period history, samurai culture, and woodblock printing, as well as institutions or scholars researching early Japanese historiography.
